Wing pad
- Pronunciation
- /wing pad/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Wing pad
- Plural
- Wing pads
Definition
Immature wing structures found on the nymphs and larvae of hemimetabolous insects that will eventually develop into fully functional wings.
Etymology
From 'wing', referring to the appendage for flying, and 'pad', indicating a flat, cushion-like structure.
Example
The dragonfly nymph has prominent wing pads that indicate its eventual transformation into an adult dragonfly.
Synonyms
- Wing rudiments
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Wing pads are characteristic of hemimetabolous insects, where immature stages gradually develop into adults without a pupal stage.